Llandudno Pier

One of Llandudno’s most famous sites is of course its pier. Dating from 1878 this is not the original pier – the first was in 1836 by a group wanting to turn Llandudno into a harbour – the idea was defeated by parliament and they got a new railway line instead. Then a wooden pier was built in 1858 that was damaged a year later by a storm. Repairs were made and it stood for another 18 years until the Llandudno Pier company was given permission to build directly over the old pier which was then demolished once the new one was completed. It was, and still is, the longest pier in Wales.

The Pier reaches out 2,295 feet into the Irish Sea and as well as Wales’ longest pier is the fifth largest in the UK. Some of the best views of it are actually taken from afar, such as from further along the promenade or from up on the Great Orme.

I always visit the Pier and take a walk right to the end and back but I must confess I’m not one for arcades or the funfair rides but there is a fair amount to do particularly for children, as well as food stalls, some very nice gift shops and a cafe. You can even fish from the pier, with the purchase of an appropriate permit.

It’s always been well maintained when I’ve been there and busy whether during the day or in the evening – the pier is open till about 10.30pm.

One thing that was new from my last visit was this wheel. I was somewhat amazed to learn that the owner of the pier commissioned Lamborghini – yes, that Lamborghini – to make the wheel at a cost of £1 million. It opened in August 2021 and has 18 gondolas which carry six people each for, at the time of writing, £4.

Overall, even if you’re not interested in the arcade it’s another nice place for a walk and to see the scenery.